Adapter Frame Window Renovation for Historic Lintel Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building opening renovations are time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to tenants' lives due to on-site work, and there is a need for a method to preserve historical accuracy while enhancing energy efficiency and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of an adapter frame and new opening assembly in a workshop, allowing for off-site manufacturing and seamless installation onto the original lintel, with tiered areas for precise fitting, and the use of tiered lintels for universal adapter frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If opening renovation is performed on-site with traditional methods, then historical accuracy can be preserved through skilled craftsmanship, but the renovation process becomes time-consuming and disruptive to tenants' lives
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter frame is pre-manufactured in a workshop with precise historical detailing before being transported to the building site. This preliminary fabrication allows skilled craftsmen to work in a controlled environment, ensuring historical accuracy while reducing on-site renovation time and minimizing disruption to tenants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional on-site renovation methods are used, then custom fitting to original lintels can be achieved, but the cost and disruption to tenants increase
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter frame serves as an intermediary component between the original building lintel and the new opening assembly. This mediator is pre-fabricated to match the specific lintel dimensions and historical characteristics, enabling custom fitting to be achieved in a workshop setting rather than on-site, thereby reducing tenant disruption while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If renovation work is performed on-site, then immediate installation can occur, but the process becomes costly and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter frame and opening assembly are pre-manufactured in a workshop setting, allowing for efficient production using standardized processes and materials. This preliminary fabrication reduces on-site installation time and eliminates the need for expensive on-site craftsmanship, thereby improving productivity while reducing overall renovation costs.
4Loss of energy
If modern energy-efficient materials are used in opening renovation, then energy efficiency is improved, but maintaining historical appearance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The opening assembly is segmented into distinct components: the adapter frame that interfaces with the original lintel and provides historical appearance, and the inner opening assembly that contains modern energy-efficient glazing and materials. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for renovating an opening of a building, the method comprising the steps of: in a workshop: producing an adapter frame of the opening, in accordance with a lintel of the opening; producing a new opening assembly in accordance with the adapter frame; and in a site of the building: shipping the new opening assembly and the adapter frame from the workshop to the building site; removing an opening assembly from a wall thereof, except of a lintel thereof; installing the adapter frame into the lintel; and installing the new opening assembly into the lintel adapter frame. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an opening assembly, comprising: an original lintel of the opening; an adapter frame, installed on the original lintel; and a renovated opening assembly, whose dimensions correspond to dimensions of the adapter frame.